Xm Headlamps, MOT test

Hi All

The dip lights stay on when the headlights are switched on. This I did not realise or notice until I fitted HID's to the dips. The glare from reflective roadside signs is particularly noticable with 4300K and 6000K HID's even when using dip beams because of the high proportion of white light those HID bulbs generate. I have decided main beam HID's are not justifed even at todays very low prices but if anyone does want to fit them then I suggest using 3000K HID's which give out a golden yellow colour simiar to standard bulbs as this will cut sign glare.

Regards

XMexc

Has anyone bought any of the cheaper ones listed on ebay and if so are they ok?

Hi Demag

All my sets have been the cheaper ones. I started off from UK supliers but the last 2 sets were direct from China about 6 months ago when I paid £51 for each set including post to the UK. Came quickly by air mail. I have found them to work well and be good value.

Regards

XMexc

This post has been edited by xmexclusive on September 18, 2007 10:28 am

Oh thanks Xmexc

I think I might indulge as mine are like two candles about to go out!

I've just bought a Fiat Cinquecento as a runabout and the lights on that put the Xm to shame!

Dave, if you fit HID prepare to be amazed.

Derek

I have just received my set from China, in 2 days after buying, for $28.00 + $40.00 for expedited shipping
As someone on this forum has pointed out, you need to drill 22 mm holes in the caps of the head lamps. I have to get a suitable drilling tool for that or ask my friendly machine shop people. For the rest it seems straightforward: remove the grill, glue the ballasts in place and hook everything up. I wonder if it really is that easy
I got the 4300K ones, as they produce more light than the 6000K and I am not fond of blueish light. (Blue light is bad for the eyes too, some optometrists will tell you, but that is a different story)

Hi Jan,

That's a real bargain.

It really is. A nice job to do as there's a big payback in relation to the time and money expended.

Good luck.

Roy

Jan,

I used a 24mm hole cutter to modify the plastic rear covers. The extra 2mm made it easier to fit the rubber grommets.

Derek

Just invested in a 22 mm drill
But re-measuring the grommet tells me the inner diameter is actually 21 mm, so 24 would seem a bit too large. I'd like to get it as airtight as possible. Also, my grommets are less 'sophisticated' than yours, I think

It really is. A nice job to do as there's a big payback in relation to the time and money expended.

Good luck.

Roy

I must say I am familiar with the HID lights. After 9 years XM with original head lights, the Pius I had for 2 years and a half with its Xenon lights was a revelation and provided a sense of elation. The wife's little Vitz has these HIDs too. When returning to XM half a year ago, I just thought, 'Well, these are XM lights and I'll avoid driving after dark as much as possible'. But now that I can have these powerful lights on this otherwise great car - this means a whole new world is opening up
I'll see if I can do the fitting on Monday as the top temp is predicted to be only 31 deg C, instead of 34-36 the past weeks . . .

Fitted the Xenon lights. Took about two hours. Attached the ballasts with double sided adhesive tape to the flat metal behind the lamp units. Things look a bit brighter out there now
Pict 1: Halogen lo-beam
Pict 2: Xenon + fogs
Pict 3: Xenon + hi-beam
Pict 4: Lamp units out
Pict 5: Drilling
Pict 6: Ballast in place
Pict 7: Ballast in place

Sorry, the pictures are somewhat large.











This post has been edited by Jan-hendrik on September 25, 2007 12:12 pm

Hello Jan-hendrik

Congratulations! I'm sure you will find the results illuminating!!

Regards

Ken

I would just like to report to this forum that I am having major problems with the company "PILOT HID" over a U/S ballast.

It is now seven weeks since I returned the broken ballast and still the excuses keep coming & no replacement ballast.

Have had to reconvert one headlamp to halogen - and it looks crap!

They say the internet is powerful for feedback so if I had my choice again I would go for the cheap 'n' cheerful ebay kits and please avoid the company "PILOT HID" if you think the extra paid will endow better customer service.

Rant over.